There is never a shortage of cultural attractions and things-to-do in Houston. Stay in the know with the best events H-Town has to offer this weekend and you’ll never have a dull moment in the... Read more

Big Brew Craft Beer Event on Tap for Houston

Beer lovers in Houston celebrate its local craft beers regularly. But now, following an announcement today from Mayor Annise Parker and partners Houston First Corp. and Food & Vine Time Productions Inc., Houstonians will soon have a full weekend to lay out the red carpet and pay proper respects to the booming brew industry sweeping America.

"Big Brew Houston", slated to run October 23 to 25 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will be the Bayou City's newest destination event, anticipated to draw more than 10,000 people during the weekend. Additional events are expected to take place around the city leading up to and around the main event.

The three-day beer event will feature 1,000 brews, beginning Oct. 23
for a beer and food pairing with 40 local restaurants, Oct. 24 featuring
Texas brewery tastings and Oct. 25 for the main tasting event. Events
are separately prices, from $45 for general admission to $100 for the
food pairing. Tickets go on sale starting Feb. 17.

This event promises not only to serve up a good time, but also to help boost the local economy. Looking to Colorado's Great American Beer Festival, running for more than 30 years, the three-day event drew 49,000 last year and generated about $7 million, according to a report in the Houston Business Journal.

Overall, a recent study by the Brewers Association placed Texas at No. 2 in terms of economic impact from brewing and distributing craft beers, which in real numbers means the industry contributed more than $2.3 billion to the state's economy in 2012, the HBJ reports.

The craft movement continues to move forward as we recently reported that Karbach Brewing Company is planning a $15 million expansion set for 2015 adjacent to its current facility in Northwest Houston.

Can't wait for October? There are plenty of opportunities to sample the local brew scene with the help of our crafty beer guide.